Cold Transmission Music and Darkwave Records Announce International Collaboration for FEVR and Vick Vapors

Cold Transmission Music, a German label based near Frankfurt, and Darkwave Records, an independent Los Angeles‑based collective, have announced a joint signing of Los Angeles artists FEVR and Vick Vapors. The partnership will produce a split album in several physical formats and will support new studio releases from both artists scheduled for 2027.

The announcement, released on 11 August 2026, states that the collaboration extends beyond a shared release strategy. It aims to strengthen the international darkwave and post‑punk community and to support artist development on both sides of the Atlantic. “As the Los Angeles home for a growing community of darkwave and post‑punk artists, Darkwave Records is honored to collaborate with Cold Transmission on these landmark releases from FEVR and Vick Vapors,” said Ray Arroyo, co‑founder of Darkwave Records. “By combining our strengths in North America with Cold Transmission’s deep roots throughout Europe, we’re giving these artists a unified international platform while remaining true to the independent spirit that defines our scene. We see this as the beginning of a long‑term creative partnership built around exceptional music and artist‑first values.”

FEVR is the project of songwriter and producer Matt Rozo. His music blends coldwave pulse, new‑wave melody, dark synth textures and guitar‑driven post‑punk. Rozo cites The Cure as a formative influence and has released a series of albums, EPs and singles since 2022, including Hidden Meadows, Ghost, Lonely Eyes, Mourning Rain and Fate. He has also collaborated with Vick Vapors and The XRAY5.

Vick Vapors is a multi‑instrumentalist and producer whose work moves through darkwave, industrial, electro and indie dance. He has paired haunting atmospheres with club‑ready beats, collaborated with other scene artists and recently completed a full U.S. tour.

Cold Transmission Music’s catalogue focuses on darkwave, post‑punk, coldwave and related acts. The label has previously released material for OH Madonna, SIIE and others, and has been featured on Side‑Line for releases such as OH Madonna’s debut single “Touch” and SIIE’s debut album Acmé. Darkwave Records was founded by Ray Arroyo and Matt Rozo and operates as an artist‑driven collective dedicated to darkwave, post‑punk, gothic rock and synthpop.

The first joint release will be a split album featuring FEVR and Vick Vapors. Physical formats will include vinyl, CD and cassette, and the label plans to release new studio albums from both artists in 2027.

The announcement was published on Side‑Line Magazine, an online publication that covers darkwave, post‑punk and related genres. Side‑Line’s editor noted that the magazine does not use a paywall and does not display advertising. The editor also highlighted the magazine’s request for reader support, stating that a $5 donation via PayPal would help sustain independent journalism.

The collaboration between Cold Transmission and Darkwave Records reflects a broader trend of cross‑Atlantic partnerships in niche music scenes. By combining Cold Transmission’s European distribution network with Darkwave’s Los Angeles‑based community, the labels aim to provide a unified platform for artists while preserving the independent ethos that characterizes the darkwave and post‑punk genres.

The split album will serve as a launchpad for the artists’ upcoming full‑length releases. While the exact release dates for the 2027 albums have not yet been announced, both labels have indicated that they will be available in standard digital formats and in physical editions for collectors.

The partnership also signals a commitment to artist‑first values. Both labels emphasize long‑term development over short‑term commercial gains, a stance that aligns with the DIY traditions of the darkwave and post‑punk communities.

In summary, Cold Transmission Music and Darkwave Records have formalized a collaboration that will release a split album featuring FEVR and Vick Vapors and support future studio projects. The partnership is positioned to strengthen the international darkwave and post‑punk scene while maintaining an independent, artist‑centric approach.